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anyone help me out?

ok, I may be in the wrong place for this but can't think of anywhere else.

so, I am british (in case it wasn't obvious) and want to move to the US.....no idea where to start! too many options, too many brick walls and nothing properly explained. I did go for help on an ex-pat site figuring that brits who have done it before would know what I need to know....turned out to be a huge bunch of dicks who were far too pleased with themselves....who knew this would be the place to come for sane help!

any ideas?!
I know all the visa options.....I know it wont be quick, it will be expensive and it will likely involve me changing job or re-training in a completely differant field....problem is I don't know what the best option is in this case.

I know its a big ask and I don't expect someone to appear with the answer to all my prayers and I am on a plane in a week to a fabulous new life....I just need help from a group of people I know won't just be a huge bunch of assholes about it all

just read that back and its not hugely clear hehe sorry! i am working nights, just got home from work, brain not on full charge just yet

Re: anyone help me out?

Firstly, if you have a criminal record, then it is a no from the start. Try giving the London Lesbian and Gay helpline a call, they will be able to give you up to date info. They also have a list of specialist lawyers, who can help you. Good luck.

Re: anyone help me out?

You could always marry an American citizen. If you have an unusual skill that is in demand, you could apply for an H1 visa. New York City in recent times has been flooded from nurses from Ireland and the Philippines because of a nursing shortage. I don't know if that is still the case, especially with Irish nurses. They kept organizing unions, so the hospitals may have gotten fed up with them. haha.

Re: anyone help me out?

If I may ask, why are you moving from the UK to the US? You say "fabulous new life", but never explained why you had to leave. I only ask because in some cases that will completely change your options.

Re: anyone help me out?

Originally Posted by palemale

You could always marry an American citizen. If you have an unusual skill that is in demand, you could apply for an H1 visa. New York City in recent times has been flooded from nurses from Ireland and the Philippines because of a nursing shortage. I don't know if that is still the case, especially with Irish nurses. They kept organizing unions, so the hospitals may have gotten fed up with them. haha.

Marriage no longer grants citizenship. That was gone by 2000. At least one lazy loophole closed in immigration. Yes, outside of a working visa, your chances of getting into the USA are slim-to-none legally.

Re: anyone help me out?

I don't understand why you want to move to the United States? If I remember correctly, the process of getting papers coming from the U.K. is fairly easy. Here are a couple websites that might make your search for information easier.

Re: anyone help me out?

no I don't have a criminal record, I used to work for the prison service so have actually signed the officially secrets act.

'fabulous new life'....I was being a little snarky hehe I know the grass isn't always greener, but whenever I travel I feel so much more comfortable in the US than I ever have in the UK....and I have been here for 25 years....can't fully explain it really, it's just a move a I have always wanted to make.

I am wary of taking the marriage route. Its been suggested before and it just doesn't feel right to go looking for a relationship with the pre-requisite of "must be a USC"
If I happen to meet a USC and it all comes together then that'd be amazing but not gonna hang my hope on it (especiall not now I know it's always the case any way)

I knew I would need to re-train and get a degree in something else as what I do right now won't translate to anything and the company I work for isn't internationally so I won't be able to get a transfer. I just didn't know what the best course was to take, I know you should study something you enjoy but there is not point in doing marine archaeology if it won't help me

I know embassy would have the answers I need and information of how to move forward but have you tried getting an appointment?! holy crap. I'll have to go to them eventually I know but for now I thought i'd just ask on the off-chance.

thanks everyone, I know its an odd question to be asking and not the most ideal place to ask it but I got far more constructive and helpful replies from all of you than I did from a forum of people who have already done what I am trying to do.

Re: anyone help me out?

that's my 'last resort' so to speak.
someone did tell me once that it would easier for me to get into canada than the US (they said because I am british but who know's if that's true) stay the required period and then try to get to the US from there.

only drawback being I don't know anyone in canada, I know that sounds like a childish reason not to go "but none of my friends will be there!" but if I am gonna be starting new across an ocean it'd be nice to have someone to help me find my feet

Re: anyone help me out?

You might not have to retrain right away if you worked in the prison system. There is a shortage and high turn over in those jobs in many part of the USA. Depends on your reference and what duties you are qualified for. These jobs suck and from what I understand prisons in the UK are much different for the good. I wouldn't enjoy moving to a new Country and have to face that sort of work. Depressing. You could check with various Governmental sites to see who is hiring. The pay and benefits are not all that great either but its a idea.

Re: anyone help me out?

oddly enough that was one of the reasons I took the job in the prison in the first place, I figured going through that many levels of security checking could only be a good thing for me.
I was a civilian worker on a private contract not an officer so I doubt very much if I would be able to use the experience to get a job, our prison system is very differant and the I worked in a low category remand prison, not sure how I would manage anything above that.

Re: anyone help me out?

Might not be exactly what you are looking for, but have you considered looking into a 2-year community college instead of a full-ride university to expand/re-invent your training background and interests? Many metropolitan areas throughout the states have excellent community colleges.

Re: anyone help me out?

Originally Posted by lyconthrope

eyes on California at the moment.

^hhmmm...

well I am from Cali originally, SoCal, born and raised there for the first 20+ or so years of my life.
My plan is also to eventually find my way back there after doing a couple more years of living in a coupe other areas.

I'm with Smokeshadow, you could try the student visa angle, maybe get an apprenticeship or a study abroad program.
Community colleges here are so much more abundant, affordable and faster to enroll in, and complete programs through.

Re: anyone help me out?

I have been considering studying over there. the problem is financing it, whilst they may be the more affordable route I wouldn't be able to work, I'd have to have a lot of income available to me, where as if I stay here to get my degree I can keep working...its also finding something I want to study in the area I want....I am fussy.

Re: anyone help me out?

will do .....not sure how many people are gonna be interested

spoke to my manager today about stepping down from being supervisor so I can go back to finish my degree, they aren't pleased, took them 6 months to persuade me to take the job in the first place and now I am giving it back

Re: anyone help me out?

if I keep wandering round the internet I might not end up in the US at all.....I almost applied for a position in South Africa.....apparently my sub-conscious wants me to leave NOW and go anywhere that isn't here hehe

Re: anyone help me out?

What's so bad about the UK that you almost went to South Africa?

If I were you I would avoid the US because of the expenses. Especially LA. One of the most expensive places to live anywhere. SoCal will drain you, healthcare will will drain you, college will drain you. If you're not worried about money, it would be great. I just don't think going there to start off is a great idea. I'd get the job before you leave, and make sure that the pay and benefits cover your expenses. Don't just opt for an internship.

Re: anyone help me out?

Originally Posted by lyconthrope

if I keep wandering round the internet I might not end up in the US at all.....I almost applied for a position in South Africa.....apparently my sub-conscious wants me to leave NOW and go anywhere that isn't here hehe

Follow your dream. Every qualification from other countries makes you more desirable.

Re: anyone help me out?

nothing wrong with the UK....just always wanted to leave and now I am in a position to start making the right changes to move I am eager to do so as quick as possible. I have been to south africa before and loved it, a position is open with the company I volunteered for, not a good move right now for me, not in a position to up and leave immediately.

I gave up the idea of studying in the US almost as soon as I thought of it, far too expensive, I need to study here so I can keep working. There is an internship in mexico that will be an amazing experience and I can get credit so its worth the money if I can get it together.

I get 'itchy feet' sometimes when it comes to travel, but my days of grabbing my passport and a bag and disappearing into the wilds are behind me

I have thought about Canada and haven't ruled anything out but until I have a decent qualification there isn't a lot I can actually apply for. and I need money behind me before I do anything and that'll take time too

Re: anyone help me out?

sadly I am hell'n'gone from graduate.

I haven't even got my A levels, dropped out of college at 17 to do volunteer work, I am starting from the bottom.

so I have a couple of years before I get to undergraduate, I can do the first year of what I need from home while working my current job so I can save money for the following few years when I need to drop down to part time work to go to class.

Re: anyone help me out?

Sounds like you are getting back on track with the education system. Would be far better to get an undergrad degree where you are...makes you more employable on any basis, and as noted is a lot cheaper than coming here for undergrad. Also, among Canada, US and South Africa.....Southern California is great option...endless summer, boys, men, bears, twinks, cut, uncut, ripped....I digress.
If at all possible, you would do well to try to travel over hear as a tourist at some point, prior to relocating, just to get a feel for the place(s) you might be interested in. Have you thought about New Zealand? I used to go there on business, and had I been 25 the first time I went, I would never have left. Beautiful country, nice standard of living, great people...and all about ecology, etc.

Re: anyone help me out?

didnt realise this was still alive hehe figured it would bore most people, I do hope people keep coming back though, its all helpful.

I am staying here least until I get my under-graduate, cheaper and I can get the foundation stuff done while I am working, I wanna avoid any unnecessary debt for as long as possible.
I have my A levels nailed down, just have to pay for them and start the studying, only take 18 months to do all 3 that I need and then I'll need to work part time, so making the most of full time cash right now

definately moving to LA (I hope) but I have my eye on a few internships so I may end up someplace else, I follow the flow of the universe
I fly to LA at least once a year, sometimes twice, for the last 6 years hehe I am familiar and comfortable with the area

Re: anyone help me out?

If you do end up in southern California, it is obviously a great help that you kind of "know the ropes" there. Adjusting to a new place (and, in your case, to a new place in a different country) is rather easier if it's not also complicated by learning your own area, as well, if you don't know anything about it beforehand.

You could do a LOT worse. You could be moving to a place which speaks an entirely different language, and it would be even crazier if it's also an entirely different alphabet.

And, furthermore, it could even be Arabic or Hebrew, which are read "backwards" as we think about it.

BOSS: I'm sorry, but I'll have to lay you and Jack off. SUE: Can you just jack off? I feel like shit today.

"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do, because I notice it always coincides with their own desires" - Susan B. Anthony

THE WIZARD OF OZ: "Transported to a surreal landscape, a girl kills the first person she meets, then joins three strangers to kill again."

Re: anyone help me out?

yeah, its why its taken me so long to do it I think, getting up the nerve to take that step.
I have traveled internationally before and lived in other countries, albeit temporarily, and had experience learning new languages where necessary so that's not new to me.

I will eventually go to the embassy in London but right now there isn't much point since I am not even close to being able to move or even pay for the visa application.

so for now my experts are gonna be people who live where I wanna live or have made the move I wanna make

Re: anyone help me out?

Originally Posted by lyconthrope

yeah, its why its taken me so long to do it I think, getting up the nerve to take that step.
I have traveled internationally before and lived in other countries, albeit temporarily, and had experience learning new languages where necessary so that's not new to me.

I will eventually go to the embassy in London but right now there isn't much point since I am not even close to being able to move or even pay for the visa application.

so for now my experts are gonna be people who live where I wanna live or have made the move I wanna make

I wouldn't worry about American English, but slangs in our two countries are very different. Once in a while, Bender will throw out a word that has me scrambling for a definition. What is a rugger bugger

Re: anyone help me out?

hehe people struggle with my sarcasm is my home country. I have learnt to 'translate' myself when I am speaking to someone but for the most part the accent is a help, I get looked at like I am speaking another language and am gently asked to repeat or explain hehe

rugger bugger is a large cauliflower eared bear of a man who plays rugby as with anything that sounds like that it has its double meanings.....but thats what it actually means

Re: anyone help me out?

hehe i'll bear that in mind! honestly LA was the only place that ever occurred to me (I know people there) it's where I always go and I feel at home there.

worse for me, my accent is annoyingly British, even here I am considered posh I might have to take some classes...

Only in the UK is speaking proper English considered "annoyingly posh" by a nation obsessed by overthrowing the "upper classes." Everywhere else, it's considered "fascinating" or "charming" or "well-spoken" or just "intelligent."

If your plan requires you to study first, the odds go up substantially if you study in North America.

BTW, Canadian student visas allow you to work as long as you continue your studies full-time.

Re: anyone help me out?

There is also the possibility of coming here for unskilled work, but that is usually for a limited duration. To stay past 4 years and establish permanent residency is only possible in some provinces.

Also, I'm not really surprised that LA seems inviting to you but I am surprised you'd want to leave the UK. I married a Brit, so we've thought of going the other way. We've spent some time there seeing everyday life, and I have to think we missed something if you see such a difference in quality of life.

Re: anyone help me out?

Don't move to New York. I'd rather you go to Canada then there. I'm begging you. Move here plz. The people are so rude as hell and prejudiced there. Especially with you being English.

If you Go to New York City with confidence, and generally go about y our daily business, and you can keep a smile, and a motivation to have a good attitude, you should have a good time with others. I've heard the same thing about NY City all my life, but I just go there fully aware of where I'm going and why, and treat this around me like human beings. I don't find NY City rude and impolite (and I'm talking about Chelsea, Midtown, Central Park West, Harlem, Bay Ridge, etc.) - I've had great conversations randomly on the street while walking.

I've run into insufferable assholes in New York City and New Jersey too - bur I've run into them, too, in places like Kansas City, northern Wisconsin, Yosemite National Park, auto mechanic shops, casinos, queues, Calgary, Wal-Mart, etc. If I run into New York City "assholery" I can actually "get it" a lot of the time, I can understand and relate better than running into it in Boca Raton or Denver a lot of the time.

I don't run into it often, anyway.

I can actually think of three or four complete ASSHOLES who had utmost and complete respect for me, in ways that they could best modify their assholery, but sometimes I still had to call them out on it. One guy who was totally straight, who was actually quite anti-gay, was as comfortable as he could be with me under the circumstances of knowing I was 100% gay, dealing with his extreme OCD and fear of people, yet he had a massive man-crush on me and couldn't get enough time with me...and he even often wanted me to give him a massage, and even take turn sleeping in each other's arms. Nothing sexual happened, but he loved being close to me as he had never been with any other human being (even his parents). For all that, there was nothing that I could say or do to keep him from being such a complete asshole in the outside world, where in no way could he ever kept girlfriends without going all OCD on them (i.e. STALKING) and making no secret he really WANTED to get in their pants. He did his best not to be an asshole with me.

BOSS: I'm sorry, but I'll have to lay you and Jack off. SUE: Can you just jack off? I feel like shit today.

"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do, because I notice it always coincides with their own desires" - Susan B. Anthony

THE WIZARD OF OZ: "Transported to a surreal landscape, a girl kills the first person she meets, then joins three strangers to kill again."

Re: anyone help me out?

Originally Posted by bankside

Only in the UK is speaking proper English considered "annoyingly posh" by a nation obsessed by overthrowing the "upper classes." Everywhere else, it's considered "fascinating" or "charming" or "well-spoken" or just "intelligent."

If your plan requires you to study first, the odds go up substantially if you study in North America.

BTW, Canadian student visas allow you to work as long as you continue your studies full-time.

it is a little annoying, when I speak here its assumed I am stuck up because I speak in full sentences and use actual english words the way they were meant to be used. And whenever I travel anywhere the first time I open my mouth "omg, your english! thats so cute"

sadly my funds dont stretch to me studying overseas, I looked into the options and for now its best I stay here until at least my undergraduate is completed.

There is also the possibility of coming here for unskilled work, but that is usually for a limited duration. To stay past 4 years and establish permanent residency is only possible in some provinces.

Also, I'm not really surprised that LA seems inviting to you but I am surprised you'd want to leave the UK. I married a Brit, so we've thought of going the other way. We've spent some time there seeing everyday life, and I have to think we missed something if you see such a difference in quality of life.

a large part of wanting to move to LA is that I know people there, I'll need somewhere to stay until I find my feet and a network of friends around me but that doesn't mean I would stay there indefinately.
I love the history of england, the architecture, I live 30 minutes from Oxford and an hour from London, and always enjoy visiting the museums and theatres.....but there is more to the world than the country I live in now
I have always been something of a wanderer, I like to see other places and the places I have been and my home aren't going anywhere, I can always come back

Re: anyone help me out?

Originally Posted by lyconthrope

it is a little annoying, when I speak here its assumed I am stuck up because I speak in full sentences and use actual english words the way they were meant to be used. And whenever I travel anywhere the first time I open my mouth "omg, your english! thats so cute"

sadly my funds dont stretch to me studying overseas, I looked into the options and for now its best I stay here until at least my undergraduate is completed.

a large part of wanting to move to LA is that I know people there, I'll need somewhere to stay until I find my feet and a network of friends around me but that doesn't mean I would stay there indefinately.
I love the history of england, the architecture, I live 30 minutes from Oxford and an hour from London, and always enjoy visiting the museums and theatres.....but there is more to the world than the country I live in now
I have always been something of a wanderer, I like to see other places and the places I have been and my home aren't going anywhere, I can always come back

Yeah, that's probably what would motivate me to move to the UK. Or elsewhere for that matter... Just to see somewhere different.

Re: anyone help me out?

I think when you have lived somewhere for so long it loses some of its appeal.
To an outside observer its rolling fields and historic buildings and cathedrals, which are worth seeing but only so many times I can walk around the same places.

Re: anyone help me out?

Originally Posted by palemale

You could always marry an American citizen. If you have an unusual skill that is in demand, you could apply for an H1 visa. New York City in recent times has been flooded from nurses from Ireland and the Philippines because of a nursing shortage. I don't know if that is still the case, especially with Irish nurses. They kept organizing unions, so the hospitals may have gotten fed up with them. haha.

Yes but it would have to be the marriage of a man and woman. Even in states that recognize gay marriage they do not recognize it from outside the U.S.